Spend A Day With Me in St. Pol de Mar, Barcelona

By: Alexa Levy

As a junior in college studying abroad with CIEE Barcelona, I've had the incredible opportunity to explore an exceptionally energetic city and its stunning surrounding areas. One of the most noteworthy experiences so far was a day-trip to the picturesque coastal town of St. Pol de Mar with a group of friends. Nestled along the Costa del Maresme, St. Pol de Mar is a hidden gem that perfectly captures the lure of coastal Catalonia.

Our journey began early in the morning as we boarded the train from center city Barcelona, heading north towards St. Pol de Mar. As much as I love Barcelona, I couldn't wait to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day of relaxation and exploration. Upon our arrival, we were immediately greeted by the sound of waves and the unmistakable scent of the Mediterranean sea. St. Pol de Mar's scenic beach, with golden sands and iridescent waters, stretched out expansively. We wasted no time in setting up our beach towels and soaking up the warm sun.

After a few hours of sunbathing and swimming, we decided to explore the town itself. St. Pol de Mar's narrow cobblestone streets were lined with pastel-colored buildings decorated with colorful flowers. We wandered through the town, stopping to admire the architecture and local shops and cafes. After a while we found a cozy seaside restaurant where we had the most amazing tapas. Tapas are traditional small savory dishes such as potatoes and aioli, chicken croquettes, bread with tomato, Spanish omelets, and many more! With our hunger satisfied, we continued our exploration by visiting the town's historic Church of Sant Pol. The church had stunning Gothic architecture and a breathtaking atmosphere. From there, we ventured to the Mirador de Sant Pol, a viewpoint that offered breathtaking panoramic views of the town, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. 

As the day drew to a close, we returned to the beach to watch the sunset, a customary we had heard was not to be missed in St. Pol de Mar. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we walked back to the train stop to head home. Our day in St. Pol de Mar was a perfect escape from the fast paced city life in Barcelona. It was a reminder of the incredible places that exists just outside of the city that deserve to be explored. As the train carried us back to the city, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore such a stunning corner of Catalonia with my friends. St. Pol de Mar has left an lasting mark on my heart, and my camera roll… and was a memorable excursion of my time in Spain that I highly recommend!

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